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===Technology=== | ===Technology=== | ||
Several different types of technology were to be used in the pilot project. Wave energy is a new frontier for renewable energy and consequently PG&E wanted to try several different approaches to harness the energy. | Several different types of technology were to be used in the pilot project. Wave energy is a new frontier for renewable energy and consequently PG&E wanted to try several different approaches to harness the energy. A maximum of four wave energy converter technologies were to be selected for the study location, each with an array of one or more devices.<ref> | ||
http://www.pge.com/about/environment/pge/cleanenergy/waveconnect/projects.shtml</ref> | |||
===Attenuator=== | ===Attenuator=== |
Revision as of 01:31, 11 October 2012
- 1 peer reviewed journal article
- 1 reference book
- a few reputable web reference
Introduction
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) had a proposal to research and develop possible wave energy systems off the coast of Northern California. The proposal was called the Humboldt WaveConnect™ pilot project.
The proposed Humboldt WaveConnect pilot project was suspended in Fall 2010.[1] The main reasons for canceling the project were that the costs rose above the level of expenditure that the company could justify and a lack of available technology.[2]
Humboldt WaveConnect™ Pilot Project
The WaveConnect™ Program was introduced by PG&E in 2009.[3] Part of the program proposed a pilot study to be conducted off the coast of Humboldt County in Northern California.
The area of study was off to be located just outside of the Humboldt Bay. The preliminary permit allowed PG&E to conduct studies only, not construction, exclusion, or any physical disturbance.[4]
Technology
Several different types of technology were to be used in the pilot project. Wave energy is a new frontier for renewable energy and consequently PG&E wanted to try several different approaches to harness the energy. A maximum of four wave energy converter technologies were to be selected for the study location, each with an array of one or more devices.[5]
Attenuator
Point Absorber
Oscillating Water Column
Oscillating Wave Surge Converter
Challenges
New technology
Developing regulatory framework
Uncertainty of environmental effects
Conflict with existing uses
High Costs
Future Projects
PG&E is currently studying the feasibility of the Central Coast WaveConnect project off the coast of Santa Barbara County. PG&E filed for a FERC permit in December 2009 for this site, which could have a capacity up to 100 MW. The permit was granted in May 2010.
References
- ↑ http://cwec.ucdavis.edu/forum2011/proc_open/Forum2011_Caliendo.pdf
- ↑ http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/11/pg-e-no-longer-pursuing-humboldt-waveconnect-ocean-energy-project
- ↑ "Humboldt WaveConnect Pilot Project." Pacific Gas & Electric, Web. 09 Oct. 2012. <http://www.pge.com/about/environment/pge/cleanenergy/waveconnect/projects.shtml>..
- ↑ http://www.pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/shared/environment/pge/waveconnect/FERCPreliminaryPermitAreaMap.pdf
- ↑ http://www.pge.com/about/environment/pge/cleanenergy/waveconnect/projects.shtml
- ↑ http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/11/pg-e-no-longer-pursuing-humboldt-waveconnect-ocean-energy-project